India – Chasing Tales

Bedfellows with the Taliban: cricket beds down with terrorists

One day, a young Talib beat Laila with a radio antenna. When he was done, he gave a final whack to the back of her neck and said, “I see you again, I’ll beat you until your mother’s milk leaks out of your bones.” – A passage from the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, which describes the lives of two fictional Afghan women.¹

While the above quote is said to a fictional woman in a novel, the reality is that in just the past 12 months, Afghanistan’s Taliban government has:
1. Codified 35 restrictive articles banning women’s voices in public, requiring full Arabic-style hijab, and prohibiting depiction of humans or animals in media. Women may not travel, study, or appear in public spaces without a male guardian (mahram).²
2. Mandated that women adopt “Arabic hijab style” within five days, with imprisonment for violators. Families are held responsible for non-compliance.³
3. Prohibited women from entering three district parks, extending the preexisting national ban.³
4. Criminalised women speaking or singing audibly in public, across broadcast and real-life settings.⁴
5. Prohibited women from afternoon medical visits without male accompaniment, severely restricting access to care in provinces like Badakhshan.⁵
6. Authorised arrests of women and men for “moral corruption”; 38 arrests reported in nine provinces.⁶
7. Expelled all female medical students from health training colleges nationwide.⁷
8. Prohibited shopkeepers from talking to female customers in Takhar and Nangarhar provinces to “protect modesty”.⁸
9. Ordered women to block home windows to avoid being seen by neighbors.⁹
10. Blocked Hazara-led religious ceremonies in Bamyan and Daykundi Provinces ahead of Ashura.¹⁰
11. Facilitated dispossession of Hazara farmlands for Kuchi nomads under “historic restitution” justifications; over 25,000 displaced in 2024–25.¹¹
12. Diverted international rations away from Hazara-majority central highlands to Pashtun-controlled areas.¹¹
13. Marginalised Shia observances by defining “permissible Islamic behavior” under Sunni Hanafi doctrines.¹²

In all, in the past few months, Afghanistan’s Taliban government has entrenched a dual system of apartheid– gender and sectarian- now recognised by experts as constituting crimes against humanity and genocide risk indicators according to the UN and Human Rights Watch.

And yet, cricket remains nearly entirely silent.

ICC’s policy on political intervention in cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is cricket’s international governing body. It claims to uphold the autonomy of cricket via its official policy, which prohibits political appointments and undue government interference in the administration of national cricket boards, favouring free elections and board independence,¹³ and they can suspend a country’s membership for government meddling, with bans or warnings applied until compliance is restored.¹⁴

Here are some recent examples of this policy in action:

Zimbabwe (2019): The ICC suspended Zimbabwe Cricket for failing to ensure no government interference in its cricket administration, barring their teams from ICC events until the suspension was lifted.¹⁵
Sri Lanka (2024): Sri Lanka Cricket was suspended by the ICC due to evidence of government interference, including the sacking of board officials and attempts at regulatory control.¹⁶

The South Africa Precedent
One does wonder what the difference is between apartheid South Africa, and present-day Afghanistan in ICC’s eyes.

In 1970, the ICC banned South Africa from international cricket due to racial apartheid policies that prevented non-white players from representing the national team and subjected touring players of color to discriminatory treatment.¹⁷ ¹⁸ This ban remained in effect for 21 years, until Nelson Mandela’s release and the dismantling of apartheid in 1991.¹⁷ ¹⁸

The ICC maintained the ban despite South Africa’s 1976 attempt to desegregate cricket through the formation of a non-racial governing body, the South African Cricket Union.¹⁷ ¹⁸ Only after apartheid’s complete dismantling and at the personal request of Nelson Mandela was South Africa readmitted to the ICC and Test cricket in 1991.¹⁷

Here’s a comparison of the actions of the Taliban government in Afghanistan with those of some other comparable governments:

Category	Taliban Afghanistan (2024–2025)	Apartheid South Africa (1948–1991)	Nazi Germany (1933–1945)	Myanmar Junta vs Rohingya (2016–Present)
Basis of Oppression	Gender, ethnicity, and religion (women, Hazaras, Shia, Tajiks)	Race and ethnicity (Black Africans, Coloureds, Indians)	Race and religion (Jews, Roma, disabled)¹⁸ ¹⁹	Ethnicity and religion (Rohingya Muslims)²³ ²⁶
Right to Education	Total ban on women and girls attending secondary and tertiary institutions	Segregated and inferior “Bantu Education Act” (1953)	Jews banned from universities (1933–1938)²⁰ ²¹	Rohingya schools closed or destroyed²⁷ ²⁸
Employment Restrictions	Women banned from most occupations; Hazara excluded from government posts	Non‑whites restricted to menial labour	Jews removed from public service (1933)²¹	Rohingya barred from public sector roles²⁹ ³⁰
Freedom of Movement	Women require male guardian; Hazaras displaced from ancestral lands	Pass laws required for Black movement across provinces	Jews prohibited from using public transport (1941)²² ²³	Rohingya confined to internment camps³¹ ³²
Legal System	Shia and women excluded; Taliban enforces Hanafi system	Separate, racially biased courts; no franchise for non‑whites	Nuremberg Laws stripped Jews of citizenship (1935)²⁴	No legal recourse for Rohingya abuses³³ ³⁴
Violence and Atrocities	Targeted killings, sexual violence, execution of Hazara protestors	Police brutality, executions, detentions	Holocaust: extermination camps, 6 million Jews killed ²⁴	2017–present killings, over 700,000 displaced³⁵ ³⁶
Cultural Erasure	Destruction of Hazara monuments; ban on female voices and presence	Suppression of African culture and languages	Book burnings, bans on Jewish culture²⁵	Destruction of mosques and Rohingya villages³⁷ ³⁸
International Response	Limited sanctions, ICC charges for gender persecution	UN boycott and sports sanctions, 1970–1991	Nuremberg Trials post‑WWII²⁰	ICC genocide probe, UN sanctions on Myanmar³⁹ ⁴⁰
Classification	Gender apartheid & ethnic persecution	Racial apartheid	Genocide [UN 1948]¹⁹	Genocide [UN Fact‑Finding Mission 2018]³⁹ ⁴¹

Apparently not an apartheid according to the powers that be in Cricket

Negotiating with terrorists
It’s evident that the ICC believes in being gentle with cricket’s resident terrorists. In April 2025, the ICC confirmed it would not cut funding to the Afghanistan Cricket Board and would instead “pursue dialogue and constructive engagement”.⁴² An ICC spokesperson told Sky News: “We are committed to leveraging our influence constructively to support the Afghanistan Cricket Board in fostering cricket development and ensuring playing opportunities for both men and women in Afghanistan”.⁴³

Naturally, this approach has yielded no progress.

The India Connection
I believe India’s geopolitics is directly shaping the ICC’s approach to Afghanistan, a pattern evident across multiple recent ICC decisions.

India is responsible for a large part of the ICC’s global revenue,⁴⁴ primarily through the BCCI and the massive domestic cricket market, and Jay Shah, the son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, was elected unopposed as ICC chairman in December 2024, after serving as BCCI secretary and Asian Cricket Council chief.⁴⁵ India has helped build Afghanistan’s cricketing infrastructure, provided technical training, hosted Afghan teams, funded stadiums, and arranged commercial sponsorships.⁴⁶

While India does not formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan,⁴⁷ it (we the citizens, our elected politicians) have adopted a policy of “engagement without recognition.”⁴⁸ ⁴⁹ This means India maintains working diplomatic and economic relations with the Taliban regime, while refraining from granting it official, de jure legitimacy.⁴⁹ We engage with the Taliban government as the de facto authority in Kabul for practical and strategic reasons, therefore granting it legitimacy.

India’s activities in Afghanistan under the Taliban include diplomatic representation, large-scale humanitarian aid, development assistance, and ongoing political dialogue, especially to safeguard its security and regional interests.⁵⁰ This approach mirrors India’s policies towards other regimes like the Myanmar junta and Taiwan: open channels for practical coordination, yet withholding formal recognition, consistent with international law on diplomatic relations.⁵¹ ⁵²

However, In October 2025, following the visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi, India announced the upgrading of its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, a clear sign of deepening engagement, despite the absence of formal recognition.⁵³

At this point, please also note that I do understand that sanctions against Afghanistan would be less effective than those against apartheid South Africa because the Taliban government, unlike South Africa’s white minority regime, does not depend on international legitimacy or economic integration with cricket-playing nations, and yet if India cared about the girls, women and minorities being oppressed in Afghanistan, they would be banned from cricket.

But India needs a counterweight to Pakistani terrorism against India. Afghanistan under the Taliban serves as a strategic buffer and potential ally in India’s regional security calculations,⁵⁴ and the Afghan women and minorities are simply not part of the consideration. And as we know, India’s power has affected ICC’s decisions previously.⁵⁵ ⁵⁶ ⁵⁷

What’s happening right now
Australia remains the only country in cricket that has taken a stand on the matter by refusing to play bilateral matches, citing deep discomfort with the Taliban regime’s escalating crackdown on women’s rights and participation in sport. Since 2021, Cricket Australia has cancelled multiple series, most recently a T20 fixture in 2025.⁵⁸ ⁵⁹

Australia also hosts exiled women cricketers from Afghanistan, such as Benafsha Hashimi and Firooza Amiri, the latter of whom has pleaded that the ICC doesn’t even need to ban the Afghanistan men’s team: “Don’t ban the Afghanistan men’s side from playing international cricket but do expect them to do more for the women and girls who don’t have the same rights they do,” Amiri told ESPN, once again underlining cricket’s silence.⁶⁰

In March 2025, Human Rights Watch addressed an open letter to ICC Chair Jay Shah, urging the council to suspend Afghanistan’s membership until women and girls regain access to education and sport. Minky Worden, HRW’s Director of Global Initiatives, argued that the ICC’s permissiveness “places it on the side of the Taliban, not the women cricketers in exile”.⁶¹

Human Rights Watch and several national cricket boards, including the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), have pressed the ICC to adopt a formal human rights policy aligned with UN principles, similar to frameworks now required by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).⁶² The IOC previously suspended Afghanistan’s Olympic Committee in 1999 for barring female athletes- an exact parallel to today’s situation.

Publicly, the council maintains support for the displaced Afghan women cricketers in exile but has stopped short of recognition or reallocation of resources to them.⁶³ In April 2025, the ICC announced a separate initiative to support displaced Afghan women cricketers through a task force partnering with Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.⁶⁴ Critically, however, this new funding stream does not reduce or redirect any money from the ACB- the board responsible for excluding women continues to receive full funding.⁶⁵

As of 2025, the ICC continues to provide the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) with approximately $17 million USD (£13 million) in annual funding, exclusively allocated to men’s cricket.⁶⁶ This funding persists even as Afghanistan remains the only ICC full member without a women’s team.

Meanwhile, while the International Cricket Council continues to sleep on their job, 2.2 million girls remain banned from school and university education indefinitely.⁶⁷

NB: I’m not expecting this to make any institutional changes. I’m not expecting any difference in the state of the suffering Afghans. I have no hope of anything getting better. I even understand the geopolitics and the realpolitik behind the Indian Government’s engagement with the terrorists- they’re trying to choose fewer terrorism deaths for Indians over people they are not morally responsible for. I’m writing because I’m exhausted. I’m tired of women paying the price and men absconding responsibility, even traveling the world playing goddamn cricket with impunity while at it. And I’m writing because who else will? The terrorised Afghans certainly cannot. The exiled Afghan cricketers can barely speak out even in a supposedly safe nation like Australia. But perhaps one day this piece may serve as the evidence that people knew what was happening, or even just show those who suffered that we saw them. You were not erased, my sisters.

Sources

How does MRF decide whose bat to sponsor?

MRF, originally Madras Rubber Factory, started as a balloon manufacturer and grew into India’s largest tyre company. Over the years, the group diversified into sporting goods, with active involvement in cricket kits, bats, gloves, and a significant marketing footprint in Indian and, to a limited extent, global sporting culture.¹ Over time their bat sponsorship has come to represent a potential enthronement, if not outright coronation of the Indian cricket’s next king. It’s fairly entertaining that MRF, once just a tyre company, now doubles as a premium sporting label—with 350+ retail outlets across India as of 2025.²

I’ve wondered about how MRF chooses, or chooses not to, sponsor someone’s bat, especially since their quick switch to sponsor Shubman Gill’s bat. And yet, the selection is not quite destiny: of the 11 players who have carried an MRF bat, 5 were asked to return it. That’s a 45% failure rate.

Also, two things: 1. The tables are pictures because I’m not mucking about with WordPress tables with this much data. It’s an absurdity. 2. I’ve done my best to check the age figures since it was relevant to this post, but I haven’t checked the cricket stats much.

The Cricketers
Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Brian Lara (WI),
Steve Waugh (Australia),
Gautam Gambhir (India)
Rohit Sharma (India)
Virat Kohli (India),
Sanju Samson (India),
Shikhar Dhawan (India),
AB de Villiers (SA),
Prithvi Shaw (India),
Mignon du Preez (SA),³
Shubman Gill (India)

The Logic
There is clearly a statistical basis for screening the candidates. Each of the cricketers finally offered the bat had a highly successful year 3 years before they got the sponsorship call. The first mottle appears two years before the sponsorship is offered, with Rohit Sharma not quite having a year to remember. One year before the sponsorship, performances from Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir started fading. They were still offered sponsorships, though, so MRF was willing to bet they would pick up, and also be culturally relevant in the future.

Word on the cricketing streets is that MRF spots its talents early in their career, but the average age at the beginning of player sponsorships comes out to be 26.67, with Prithvi Shaw being the earliest pick at 17 (or 18) years old, and Steve Waugh the senior most at 36. Removing these outliers returns an average age of… 26.67 years, and removing anyone who was sponsored before 2010 makes for an average of 25.38 years.

Age of MRF bat sponsorees at the beginning and end of their tenures

It’s obvious that the original three foreign icons (Lara, Waugh, AB) were established greats when they got the MRF deal; the rest, especially Indian batters, were mostly in their 20s. Given that batters usually come into their own around 27-29 (my personal opinion), and can certainly be prodigious well into the 30s, this is consistent with MRF’s search for the next (Indian) batting legend. To be noted, all the averages tallied above fall around or before the age of 27.

These are the statistical inputs I’ve been able to spot for the champaigne:

Insatiability, 850–1,200+ runs/year in Tests or ODIs for at least one of the years before signing.
Consistent 100s in decisive or pressure games (World Cups, series deciders).
ICC event hundreds and being among top run scorers seems to be a trademark.
Youth milestones and early leadership (U19 or domestic tournament MVPs- Kohli, Dhawan, Gill, and Shaw were all U19 heroes)
Multi-format prowess, such as hundreds in all formats by 25.
Longevity (sustained form) or a steep climb in performance

The Magic
MRF’s track record of signing “the next big thing” is so consistent, it borders on magic:

They chose Tendulkar just before he ruled the 90s and 00s.
Bet on Virat as he broke records and changed Indian cricket’s mindset.
Handed Gill the baton right before a record-shattering run in 2025, including 4 consecutive Test hundreds and a string of 20→100 conversions unparalleled among peers, although this was an obvious signing with Virat retiring right before the series, and Gill now the heir apparent to the Indian No. 4 position, and the Test captain).
Timing is critical. MRF’s model aims to find the next star on the rise- locking in ambassadors just as they shift from prodigy to global icon (e.g., Sachin before he became Sachin, Kohli before captaincy explosion).

MRF therefore seems to filter for improvement arcs, multi-format ability, and brand values- not just averages. But cricketing “auras” also matter- hence Kohli, Gill (not just Indian and prodigious, but also temperamentally dignified, in possession of impressive communication skills, the worlds best ODI batter and other top performances in his age cohort, and the Indian Test captain) over otherwise comparable international stars like Dravid (diluted the Indian audience, not a superstar when compared to Sachin), Kallis (not Indian, and not as popular in India as AB), Sangakkara (see Kallis), Laxman (same as Dravid, but also confined to Tests), MS Dhoni (Not an era defining batter), KL Rahul (beautiful, inconsistent), Yashaswi Jaiswal (incredible story but not as established as Shubman, has not yet shown all format ability, although watch out for this in the future), Rishabh Pant (Likely not considered an era defining batter, but is also Spidey, and that doesn’t fit the brand image), Abhishek Sharma (maybe soon?). Ambassadors are chosen not only for statistics, but also for embodying resilience (Tendulkar’s comebacks), toughness (Kohli’s chases), artistic mastery (Lara’s flair), performance (Dhawan’s ICC tournament performances), or next-gen inspiration (Shaw, Samson, Gill). Jaiswal and Pant’s exclusions highlight that charisma alone isn’t enough- they’re watching form across formats, market potential, and personality fit. Not sponsoring MS indicates they’re not too swayed by long term captaincy or intense fandom or even the number of trophies won as skipper- once again, it’s the batting output that matters.

The Business
MRF’s approach to selecting its bat ambassadors is a nuanced blend of data-driven business strategy, brand vision, and razor-sharp market positioning, refined over decades of cricketing association. India is MRF’s largest tyre and sporting market, and cricket is India’s premier sport. MRF therefore focuses on pan-Indian cricket icons as ambassadors to maximise its cultural and commercial return on investment. This also means that non Indians rarely get the MRF sticker.

A selection of players who were not MRF bat ambassadors, and why I think that was so

By not sponsoring too many players simultaneously- and never directly competing with its own ambassadors for limelight- MRF ensures its bat sticker is always exceptional, not generic. The sustained, highly visible association with generational talents strengthens brand recall far beyond the cricket field- from tyre showrooms to street cricket bats. So concerned is MRF with its bat’s legacy, the company has divided its brand into three- the Genius bat for the artists and prodigies (Tendulkar, Kohli, AB, Gill), the Conqueror bat for those known for their grit (Steve Waugh), and the Wizard bat for Brian Lara.

MRF is always looking a generation ahead. As one ambassador (Tendulkar, Kohli) nears twilight, MRF signs the next rising phenom (Gill over Jaiswal, as the latter had not yet ticked every box), displaying continuity and reducing sponsorship risk, while ensuring ongoing cultural presence, with each transition becoming a media/ marketing event in itself. The brand’s investment is offset by massive earned media (“free” advertising) via on-field heroics, social media virality, and generational recall—no other bat sticker is as instantly recognized in world cricket.

Note: This post earlier included Sir Hadlee, but I’ve not been able to find any credible sources for it, so I’ve removed any mention of him, and redone the calculations.

Sources
1. MRF Ltd. – Fortune India
2. MRF Sports
3. @mdpminx22 on Instagram

Indian MSMEs and ESG

The regulatory landscape for Indian MSMEs has shifted dramatically with the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) Core framework. This framework now requires India’s largest listed companies to report not only on their own Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance but also on the ESG practices of key value chain partners—including MSMEs.¹

Scope and Coverage²

Applicability: From FY 2024–25, the BRSR Core value chain disclosure applies to the top 250 listed entities by market capitalization, with phased expansion in subsequent years.
Value Chain Reporting: Companies must report ESG data for their top upstream (suppliers) and downstream (customers) partners that individually account for 2% or more of purchases or sales, or collectively represent at least 75% of total purchases and sales by value.
KPIs: Reporting covers greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water use, circularity, and social factors attributable to the listed company’s business with each value chain partner.
Timeline: Mandatory value chain ESG disclosures begin in FY 2025–26, with third-party assessment or assurance required from FY 2026–27.
This means MSMEs that are part of the supply chains of large corporates must now demonstrate their sustainability credentials—or risk exclusion.

The Business Case for MSMEs Going Green

Continued Access to Large Corporate Supply Chains: With large companies under regulatory pressure to disclose their value chain’s ESG performance, MSMEs unable to provide relevant sustainability data or demonstrate green practices risk being replaced by more compliant competitors.
Market and Export Opportunities: Many global buyers and Indian corporates now require ESG compliance from suppliers. MSMEs with green credentials gain access to new markets, preferred vendor status, and export opportunities, especially as international regulations tighten.
Cost Savings and Efficiency: Adopting green practices—energy efficiency, waste reduction, renewable energy—reduces operational costs and improves margins, directly benefiting the bottom line.
Regulatory Preparedness: MSMEs that align early with BRSR and other ESG frameworks are better positioned for future regulations, including potential carbon taxes, border adjustments, and mandatory disclosures.
Enhanced Reputation and Financing: Demonstrating ESG leadership boosts credibility with customers, investors, and lenders, and can improve access to green finance and government incentives. Companies with strong ESG credentials often enjoy better access to financing and lower costs of capital.

Challenges Hindering MSMEs’ Green Transition³

Despite the clear benefits, MSMEs face significant barriers:

High Upfront Costs: Transitioning to green technologies requires capital, which is often scarce for MSMEs operating on thin margins.
Limited Access to Green Finance: Only about 10% of MSMEs access formal green finance, mainly due to collateral and credit barriers. A third are unaware of major schemes like ZED certification.⁴
Infrastructure Gaps: Many MSMEs, especially in tier II and III cities, rely on outdated machinery and diesel generators due to unreliable power grids.
Technological and Knowledge Constraints: Lower technological sophistication and lack of awareness about sustainability frameworks impede progress.
Opportunities on the Horizon
Sustainable practices are opening new markets and enhancing credibility, especially for MSMEs in global supply chains where environmental compliance is increasingly mandatory. For example, textile MSMEs in Tiruppur have adopted Zero Liquid Discharge systems to meet stringent European export requirements.

The Numbers⁴

Solar Adoption: By 2024, 21% of Indian MSMEs were powered by solar energy, and 31% had adopted energy-efficient machinery.
Rooftop Solar: Installations reached 11.87 GW, cutting average power bills by 30% and typically paying for themselves within three to five years.
Emission Reductions: This shift could potentially reduce CO₂ emissions by 110 million tonnes annually.
State Leaders: Textile and chemical industries are leading the transition, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala making significant progress, and other states like Uttar Pradesh eager to join the movement.
If this momentum continues, MSMEs could contribute up to 50% of India’s 2030 renewable energy goal—a transformative impact for the nation’s sustainability ambitions.
However, not all numbers are positive: The Government of India launched two schemes to help MSMEs adopt environmentally friendly technology, the MSME GIFT (Green Investment and Financing for Transformation) Scheme, which focuses on supporting MSMEs to adopt clean and green technologies through concessional finance and risk-sharing, and the MSME SPICE (Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy), which aims to incentivize MSMEs to implement circular economy practices such as recycling, reuse, and resource efficiency, primarily through capital subsidies. As of December 2024, MSME SPICE had assisted only six MSME accounts, with one reported beneficiary from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The total expenditure was ₹1.31 crore out of the ₹472.5 crore budget⁵… and as for MSME GIFT, as of July 2025, there are no published official numbers from the Ministry of MSME, SIDBI, or other government sources specifying the exact number of MSMEs that have received benefits under the GIFT scheme. The World Bank’s implementation report on the broader RAMP program (which includes GIFT) notes that as of November 2024, the program had disbursed $231 million (about 46% of the total loan) for MSME competitiveness and green technology adoption, but does not break down numbers specifically for GIFT.⁶

The Road Ahead: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage

The SEBI BRSR Core mandate is more than a compliance requirement; it’s a catalyst for a fundamental shift in how Indian MSMEs operate. Integrating ESG principles is no longer just about risk mitigation—it’s about unlocking new business opportunities, future-proofing operations, and contributing to India’s global climate commitments.

For MSMEs, the message is clear: Going green is not just good for the planet—it’s now essential for business survival and growth.

Sources

A guide to India’s legal framework for ESG

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. ESG investing evaluates companies on non financial factors covered under any of these three categories. While many issues are multifaceted and may fall under one or more of these headings, the way to differentiate them may lie in separating into the Planet, People, and Profit maxim: E covers all issues that affect the planet, S is for anything affecting humans directly, and G (the most regulated of the three) is for corporate governance issues.

India has a web of laws, regulations, and policies that can be classified as ESG requirements or enablers (now that the acronym ‘ESG’ exists, that is). Here is a run down of some of the most prominent ones (it’s long):

I. Environmental Legal Requirements in India

1. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
This Act provides a legal framework for the protection of wildlife species and their habitats, including the creation of protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. It prohibits hunting and trade in endangered species, and prescribes penalties for violations. The Act also empowers authorities to regulate activities within protected areas to conserve biodiversity.

2. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
The Water Act is designed to prevent and control water pollution and maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water. Section 16 tasks the Central Pollution Control Board with setting standards for the discharge of pollutants into water bodies, monitoring compliance, and coordinating with state boards. The Act provides for the prosecution of violators and the issuance of directives to polluting entities to cease or modify operations.

3. Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
The Forest (Conservation) Act restricts the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes without prior approval from the central government. It aims to curb deforestation and promote sustainable forest management by requiring compensatory afforestation and environmental impact assessments for approved projects. The Act also provides for the protection of forest biodiversity and the rights of forest-dwelling communities.

4. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
This Act establishes a regulatory framework for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution in India. Section 17 assigns State Pollution Control Boards the responsibility to set air quality standards, monitor emissions from industrial and vehicular sources, and enforce compliance through permits and penalties. The Act empowers authorities to close or restrict operations of polluting industries and to promote cleaner technologies.

5. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is India’s primary legislation for the protection and improvement of the environment. Section 3 of the Act empowers the central government to take all necessary measures to protect and improve environmental quality, prevent and control pollution, and set standards for emissions and discharges. Section 6 authorizes the government to make rules for regulating environmental pollution, covering aspects such as waste management, hazardous substances, and the preservation of ecological balance.

Key Rules under the Environment (Protection) Act:

E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022:
These rules establish responsibilities for manufacturers, producers, and recyclers of electronic and electrical equipment to ensure environmentally sound management of e-waste. They require the implementation of extended producer responsibility, mandating producers to collect and channel e-waste to authorized dismantlers or recyclers. The amendments in 2018 further tightened collection targets and reporting obligations, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of rapidly growing electronic waste streams.
Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022:
The 2001 rules regulate the collection, processing, and recycling of used batteries to prevent hazardous lead and acid pollution. The Draft Battery Waste Management Rules, 2020, propose stricter norms for battery producers, including mandatory take-back systems and environmentally safe recycling processes. These provisions are designed to minimize environmental contamination and promote circular economy practices in the battery industry.
Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016:
These rules provide a framework for the safe handling, segregation, transport, treatment, and disposal of biomedical waste generated by healthcare facilities. They impose strict requirements on hospitals and clinics to ensure that infectious and hazardous waste does not contaminate the environment or pose health risks to the public. Compliance is enforced through regular audits and penalties for violations.
Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, 2021, 2022:
The rules aim to reduce plastic pollution by imposing restrictions on the manufacture, sale, and use of certain single-use plastics. They require producers, importers, and brand owners to implement extended producer responsibility, ensuring that plastic waste is collected and recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Amendments in 2021 and 2022 further expanded the scope of regulated items and tightened compliance timelines. The 2022 notification banned Single Use Plastics (SUPs) with effect from 01.07.2022.
Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016:
These rules set out the responsibilities of municipal authorities and other stakeholders for the segregation, collection, processing, and disposal of solid waste. They emphasize the need for source segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, and promote composting, recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives. The rules also mandate the inclusion of informal waste pickers into the formal waste management system.
Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016:
The rules require generators of construction and demolition waste to segregate and store waste at source, and ensure its safe transportation to recycling facilities. They promote the recycling and reuse of debris, reducing the burden on landfills and conserving natural resources. Local authorities are tasked with establishing collection centres and monitoring compliance.
Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 (amended 2019):
These rules regulate the generation, handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes, including their import and export. They mandate that hazardous waste be handled only by authorized operators and in accordance with prescribed safety standards. Amendments in 2019 strengthened provisions for tracking and reporting waste movements, and aligned Indian regulations with international conventions.
Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989:
These rules govern the safe manufacture, storage, and import of hazardous chemicals, requiring companies to undertake risk assessments and prepare on-site and off-site emergency plans. Facilities must notify authorities about the quantities and types of hazardous chemicals handled, and are subject to regular inspections. The aim is to prevent industrial accidents and minimize risks to workers and the surrounding community.
Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019; related 2021 procedures:
The notification demarcates coastal regulation zones and restricts certain activities to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems. It sets out guidelines for permissible development, conservation of mangroves, and protection of traditional fishing communities. The 2021 procedures clarify compliance requirements and streamline the approval process for coastal projects.
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 (and amendments):
The EIA Notification requires prior environmental clearance for specified categories of projects, based on a detailed assessment of their potential impacts. It mandates public consultations, expert appraisal, and periodic monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental safeguards. Amendments over the years have sought to balance developmental needs with environmental protection by refining project categories and timelines. A draft considered controversial was tabled in 2020 which is still under review, and nothing major has been finalised as of writing this.

6. Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
This Act requires owners handling hazardous substances to take out insurance policies to provide immediate relief to victims of accidents. It ensures that compensation is available for injury, death, or property damage resulting from hazardous activities, regardless of fault. The Act also establishes an Environmental Relief Fund to support compensation payments.

7. Energy Conservation Act 2001 (amended 2022)
The original Energy Conservation Act, 2001 established the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and set norms for energy efficiency in appliances, buildings, and large energy consumers. The 2022 amendment (which came into effect on 01.01.2023), establishes a legal basis for a carbon market, mandates non-fossil energy use by designated users, expands efficiency standards, and updates building codes.

8. Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The Biological Diversity Act promotes the conservation of India’s biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components. It establishes mechanisms for equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources, and regulates access to biological resources by domestic and foreign entities. The Act is implemented through the National Biodiversity Authority and State Biodiversity Boards.

9. National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
The National Green Tribunal Act establishes a specialized tribunal for the expeditious resolution of environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues. The Tribunal has the power to provide relief, compensation, and restitution of damaged environments, and its orders are binding. It aims to ensure effective and speedy environmental justice for affected parties.

10. Policies and Schemes

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023
The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023, introduces a regulated market for trading carbon credits in India. It enables entities that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions below prescribed targets to sell credits to those exceeding their limits. This market-based mechanism incentivizes emission reductions and supports India’s climate change commitments. This scheme is now operational under the Energy Conservation Act (amended 2022).
Green Credit Disclosures (SEBI LODR, BRSR Principle 6)
From the financial year 2024-25, listed companies are required to disclose the green credits they generate or procure, as well as those of their top-10 value chain partners. This disclosure is part of the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework and aims to increase transparency and accountability in corporate environmental performance.
Priority Sector Lending for Renewable Energy (RBI Guidelines)
The Reserve Bank of India’s guidelines on priority sector lending encourage banks to finance renewable energy projects by including them in their priority lending targets. This policy aims to boost the adoption of clean energy technologies and help India meet its renewable energy goals. Loans are extended to enterprises and households for investments in solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources.
Green Deposits Framework (RBI)
The Green Deposits Framework, introduced by the RBI, requires regulated entities to establish board-approved policies for the allocation of green deposits. These deposits are earmarked for financing environmentally sustainable projects, such as renewable energy, clean transportation, and waste management. The framework aims to channel financial resources into projects that contribute to environmental sustainability.

II. Social Legal Requirements in India

1. Human Rights Laws (Constitutional Provisions)
The Indian Constitution enshrines a broad range of fundamental rights that form the foundation of social legal requirements. Articles 14 to 18 guarantee equality before the law and prohibit discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, ensuring all citizens are treated fairly. Article 19 protects freedoms such as speech, association, and movement, while Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which courts have interpreted to include the right to livelihood and humane working conditions.

Articles 23 and 24 prohibit trafficking, forced labour, and child labour in hazardous industries, reflecting India’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. Article 46, a Directive Principle, directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections, and to protect them from social injustice and exploitation. These provisions are supported by a range of statutes and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance and redressal.

2. Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, establishes the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commissions to investigate human rights violations and promote awareness. The NHRC has powers to inquire into complaints, intervene in court proceedings, and recommend remedial action to the government.

3. Labour Laws

Payment of Wages Act, 1936:
The Act mandates the timely payment of wages to workers, typically by the last working day of the month. It prohibits unauthorized deductions and provides for the resolution of wage-related disputes through designated authorities.
Minimum Wages Act, 1948:
This Act ensures that workers receive at least the minimum wage fixed by the government for different sectors and regions, preventing exploitation and poverty. It also regulates working hours, overtime pay, and conditions of work, contributing to the well-being of the labor force. Enforcement is carried out through labor inspectors and penalties for non-compliance.
Employees State Insurance Act, 1948 and Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952:
These Acts provide social security benefits to workers, including retirement savings, medical care, and insurance against sickness, disability, and death for workers and their families. Employers and employees contribute to provident fund and insurance schemes, which are managed by statutory bodies.
Factories Act, 1948 & Shops and Establishment Act, 1960:
These laws regulate working conditions in factories, shops, and commercial establishments, setting standards for health, safety, welfare, and leave entitlements. They require employers to provide safe workplaces, adequate ventilation, and sanitation facilities, and to limit working hours to prevent overwork. The Acts mandate regular inspections and empower authorities to enforce compliance.
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017:
The Act provides for six months of fully paid maternity leave for women employees, as well as additional leave for miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy. It also requires employers to provide nursing breaks and crèche facilities for young children.
Labour Codes (2019–2020):
44 labour laws have been consolidated into four codes: Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Code on Social Security, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code to streamline compliance, reduce complexity, and increase worker protection, including for gig and platform workers.

4. Gender and Social Equity Laws

Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955:
Also known as the Untouchability Offences Act, this law abolishes untouchability and protects the civil rights of marginalized communities. It prohibits discrimination in access to public places, services, and employment, and provides for the prosecution of offenders.
Equal Remuneration Act, 1976:
This Act mandates equal pay for equal work for men and women, addressing gender-based wage discrimination in the workplace. It prohibits employers from discriminating in recruitment, promotion, and conditions of service on the basis of gender. The Act is enforced through labor authorities and provides remedies for aggrieved employees.
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:
The Act defines specific offences against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, including violence, humiliation, and social boycott. It establishes special courts for the speedy trial of cases and prescribes stringent penalties to deter discrimination and atrocities. Amendments have expanded protections for women and strengthened enforcement mechanisms.
Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007:
This Act obligates children and heirs to provide maintenance for their parents and senior citizens, ensuring their welfare and dignity in old age. It establishes tribunals for the speedy resolution of maintenance claims and prescribes penalties for neglect or abandonment.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019:
The Act recognizes the rights of transgender persons and prohibits discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, and access to public services. It provides for the issuance of identity certificates and mandates the establishment of welfare schemes and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021; Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Regulation Act, 2021; Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021:
These laws expand access to safe and legal abortion services, regulate assisted reproductive technologies, and ban commercial surrogacy while allowing altruistic surrogacy for Indian citizens.

III. Governance Legal Requirements in India

1. Companies Act, 2013

Section 149:
This section requires certain classes of companies to have a specified number of independent directors, including at least one female director, on their boards. Independent directors are expected to bring objectivity and balance to board decisions, and to safeguard the interests of minority shareholders and other stakeholders.
Section 166:
Section 166 outlines the duties of company directors, mandating them to act in good faith and in the best interests of the company, its employees, shareholders, the community, and the environment. Directors must avoid conflicts of interest and act with due care, skill, and diligence in discharging their responsibilities.
Section 134:
This section requires the Board of Directors to prepare an annual report that includes information on the company’s financial performance, conservation of energy, and other ESG-related disclosures. The report must be presented to shareholders at the annual general meeting and filed with the Registrar of Companies.
Section 178:
Section 178 mandates the constitution of Nomination and Remuneration Committees and Stakeholders Relationship Committees for companies with more than 1,000 security holders. These committees oversee the appointment and remuneration of directors and resolve grievances of shareholders and other stakeholders.
Schedule IV:
Schedule IV sets out the code of conduct for independent directors, emphasizing their role in safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders, particularly minority shareholders. It requires independent directors to ensure the company has adequate vigil mechanisms, report unethical behavior, and balance conflicting stakeholder interests.

2. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Requirements (Section 135 and Schedule VII)

Applicability and Committee Formation
Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, mandates that every company, including its holding and subsidiary companies, and certain foreign companies operating in India, must comply with CSR requirements if they meet any one of the following financial criteria during the immediately preceding financial year:

Net worth of ₹500 crore or more;
Annual turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more;
Net profit of ₹5 crore or more.

Such companies must constitute a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee of the Board, with at least three directors (including one independent director, where applicable). The Committee formulates and recommends a CSR policy, recommends the amount to be spent, and monitors the policy’s implementation.

The 2% CSR Spending Rule
Section 135(5) requires qualifying companies to spend at least 2% of their average net profits made during the three immediately preceding financial years on CSR activities. Net profits are calculated as per Section 198 of the Act. If a company fails to spend the required amount, the Board must specify the reasons in its annual report. Unspent amounts must be transferred to a fund specified in Schedule VII or, for ongoing projects, to a special “Unspent CSR Account” within prescribed timelines, with penalties for default.

Administrative and Reporting Requirements
Administrative overheads for CSR cannot exceed 5% of total CSR expenditure. Any surplus from CSR activities must not form part of business profits and must be reinvested in CSR. Companies must disclose the composition of their CSR Committee and details of CSR activities in the Board’s Report under Section 134(3).

Schedule VII: Eligible CSR Activities
Schedule VII provides an illustrative list of activities for CSR spending, including:

Eradicating hunger, poverty, and malnutrition; promoting health care and sanitation; safe drinking water.
Promoting education, including special education and employment-enhancing vocational skills, especially among children, women, the elderly, and the differently abled; livelihood enhancement projects.
Promoting gender equality, empowering women, setting up homes and hostels for women and orphans; old age homes, day care centers; reducing inequalities faced by socially and economically backward groups.
Ensuring environmental sustainability, ecological balance, protection of flora and fauna, animal welfare, agroforestry, conservation of natural resources, and maintaining the quality of soil, air, and water.
Protection of national heritage, art, and culture, including restoration of buildings and sites of historical importance; setting up public libraries; promotion and development of traditional arts and handicrafts.
Measures for the benefit of armed forces veterans, war widows, and their dependents.
Training to promote rural sports, nationally recognized sports, Paralympic sports, and Olympic sports.
Contribution to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund or any other fund set up by the Central Government for socio-economic development and relief, welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes, minorities, and women.
Contributions to incubators or R&D projects in science, technology, engineering, and medicine, funded by government bodies or public institutions.
Contributions to public-funded universities, IITs, and national research bodies such as DRDO, ICAR, CSIR, and others.
Rural development projects.
Slum area development.
Disaster management, including relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction activities.

Failure to comply with CSR spending and transfer requirements attracts monetary penalties for both the company and responsible officers.

3. SEBI Regulations (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements—LODR, 2015)
The LODR Regulations, 2015, issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), establish comprehensive requirements for the governance and disclosure practices of listed companies. They mandate board composition standards, including the presence of independent directors and mandatory committees such as audit and nomination committees. The regulations require prompt disclosure of material events, transparent reporting of related party transactions, and maintenance of a functional company website with investor information.

4. Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR, BRSR Core)

BRSR (2021):
The BRSR framework, introduced by SEBI, requires the top 1,000 listed companies to disclose their performance on a broad set of ESG indicators, based on the National Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC). The disclosures cover areas such as ethics, transparency, employee well-being, stakeholder engagement, human rights, environmental stewardship, inclusive development, consumer welfare, and policy advocacy. The aim is to promote responsible business practices and facilitate informed decision-making by investors and stakeholders.
BRSR Core (2023):
BRSR Core is a streamlined subset of the full BRSR, focusing on a core set of key ESG performance indicators tailored for the Indian context. It introduces phased assurance requirements for the top listed companies and their value chain partners, enhancing the reliability and comparability of ESG disclosures. The framework is designed to facilitate benchmarking and assurance, and to drive continuous improvement in ESG performance.

5. Anti-Corruption and Money Laundering Laws

Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988:
This Act criminalizes bribery and corruption in public and private sector transactions, prescribing stringent penalties for offenders. It empowers authorities to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, and provides for the confiscation of ill-gotten assets.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002:
The Act establishes a legal framework to prevent and penalize money laundering, requiring regulated entities to maintain records, conduct due diligence, and report suspicious transactions. It provides for the attachment and confiscation of proceeds of crime, and empowers enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute offenders.

If you want me to add anything I’ve missed, please leave a comment about it, and I’ll work on it. Thanks.

References:

MCA eBooks and Acts
Law.Asia: ESG Compliance Overview
India Briefing: ESG Reporting Mandates
Nishith Desai: ESG Laws and Regulations
KPMG: SEBI BRSR Core Changes
The various laws in their most recent avatars that can be found on GOI websites.

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